Olena Duma spoke on this topic today, 30 May, on her Telegram channel. Her original text is provided below:
“Another wave of information pressure around the so-called “ARMA reform” is once again gaining momentum, this time under the guise of “concerns about European funding.” But let’s set the record straight once and for all.
On May 12, at a special meeting of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Oleksiy Sobolev clearly explained the situation regarding the Ukraine Facility. And here is what every Ukrainian should know: EU financial assistance is not lost but postponed to the next period.
When the lobbyists behind draft law No. 12374-d try to frighten people with the prospect of losing €500 million, it is pure manipulation. EU tranches do not depend on this legislative farce, which violates the Constitution and cannot be implemented without fundamental amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code.
The challenges arising from the adoption of new laws are clear and common to all authorities. Our goal is to make them effective and ensure they work for the benefit of society and the state.
Over the past two years, ARMA has demonstrated its efficiency in figures: billions of hryvnias have been flowing into the state budget through the management of seized property. Since 2023, we have carried out a meaningful reform, and we are now ready to enshrine it at the legislative level.
But — and this is crucial — the reform must comply with the Constitution, be realistic in its implementation, and not undermine the anti-corruption system. Parliamentary initiative No. 12374-d does not meet these criteria and has failed all five public consultations.
Who benefits from the panic? It’s a rhetorical question. Those who strive to push through dubious provisions under the guise of “European demands.” Those who try to protect their own reputation by discrediting a functioning institution.
Manipulative attempts to undo the work of every member of ARMA’s team will not succeed. Society and our international partners see the results — billions are being returned to the state thanks to the Agency’s professional work.
Ukraine will receive the European funding in full. This is the result of consistent work, not of populist draft laws that cannot be implemented. ARMA’s reform has been in force since 2023 and will be enshrined in law — real, constitutional, and effective.”
